Summary:
- London offers diverse side hustles ranging from content creation, food delivery, and Airbnb hosting to pet-sitting, freelancing, and virtual assistance.
- Sectors include e-learning, coworking hubs, and the gig economy, supported by booming markets like food delivery and online education.
- Average UK salaries vary across roles: content creators, freelancers, online teachers, DJs, and makeup artists.
- Most jobs on our curated list require minimal formal qualifications, focusing instead on practical skills, digital tools, or networking in London’s vibrant scene.
- These opportunities offer flexibility, scalability, and strong earning potential, making them ideal for students, expats, or anyone seeking extra income in London.
London is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in, and many Londoners are feeling the squeeze now more than ever.
With rising housing, utility, and rental costs, even median incomes often struggle to keep pace.
It’s no surprise, then, that side hustles are booming. A recent survey shows that 2 in 5 Brits (39%) now have a side hustle, and many are using them to help cover the cost of essentials. In London in particular, nearly 3 in 10 people are running secondary income projects to keep up with rent, bills, or just to afford a little wiggle room.
Whether you’re an expat student, someone with a full-time job, or just wanting extra income, London offers a wealth of opportunities to earn extra cash.
This article brings together the 9 best and most up-to-date ways to make easy money in London.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this post was correct at publication, but may be subject to change. The listed income opportunities are arranged according to the LBN trust scores from highest to lowest, calculated in the process below.
About the LBN Trust Score:
The LBN trust score is based on three measurable factors, each weighted according to its importance in helping readers make informed decisions. They reflect the aspects that most influence a worker’s potential income and career prospects:
- Yearly income potential: 50% of final score (higher → better)
- Work requirements: 30% (lower → better)
- Starting Process: 20% (easy → better)
These scores consider publicly available data at the time of writing. The score of each listing is converted into a final LBN Trust Score on a 10-point scale.
| Job Titles | Income Potential | Work Requirements | Starting Process | Trust Score (/10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teach Skills Online | 9.7 | 5.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Work as a DJ | 10.0 | 2.0 | 5.0 | 6.6 |
| Delivery Driver | 6.3 | 5.0 | 8.0 | 6.3 |
| Offer Pet-Sitting & Boarding | 4.4 | 5.0 | 8.0 | 5.3 |
| Become a Content Creator | 6.6 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 5.2 |
| Glow up as a Makeup Artist | 5.2 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.1 |
| Build a London Website & Monetise | 5.8 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 4.8 |
| Virtual Assistant | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.7 |
| Rent Out Your Space | 5.7 | 2.0 | 5.0 | 4.5 |
9 Best Ways to Make Easy Money in London
1. Teach Skills Online to Global Students | LBN Trust Score: 8.0/10
The global e-learning market is forecast to reach nearly $400 billion by 2026. UK tutors, particularly in London, are in high demand for English, coding, and business skills, benefiting from the ability to reach students worldwide. Online teaching or private tutoring offers flexible hours and the opportunity to earn a competitive income from the comfort of your home or co-working space.
Earning Potential
- The average earnings range from £15 to £40 per hour.
Requirements to Get Started
- A degree, professional qualification, or proven expertise in the subject you plan to teach.
- Basic digital tools knowledge (Zoom, Google Meet, or platform-specific teaching software).
- A reliable webcam and quiet teaching space.
How to Get Started
- Choose a platform that matches your skill: language tutoring (Preply, Cambly, iTalki), academic/exam prep (Tutorful, Superprof, MyTutor), or professional/business skills (Udemy, Skillshare, Teachable).
- Set competitive rates and hours.
- Specialising in exam prep or business English is beneficial.
2. Bring the House Down as a DJ | LBN Trust Score: 6.6/10
London’s nightlife is a hotspot for DJs, with vibrant scenes in Shoreditch, Soho, and Camden Town. Since London has some of the hottest nightlife spots, you have it relatively easy – these areas are just a bus ride away. Many London DJs, such as DJ Anthony, DJ Lenny, DJ Karl, and DJ Dan, began with small gigs before moving on to headline clubs. Passion, networking, and strong music knowledge remain the key ingredients for success.
Earning Potential
- The average pay for a DJ in the UK is £28.30 per hour.
Requirements to Get Started
- Passion for music and current trends.
- A laptop (i7 or similar) and DJ software.
- Strong knowledge of your chosen genre.
- Ability to mix music and operate DJ equipment.
How to Get Started
- Practise with YouTube tutorials and DJ software.
- Create profiles on UK DJ booking platforms such as Encore or StarNow to get discovered and booked.
- Register your profile in UK DJ directories such as NADJ.
- Start small at local pubs or private events.
- Network in London’s nightlife hubs.
3. Become a Delivery Driver | LBN Trust Score: 6.3/10
Food and grocery delivery is one of London’s most flexible side hustles, offering immediate earning potential. The online food delivery market in the United Kingdom was valued at around $56 billion in 2024.
By 2030, the grocery delivery segment alone is forecast to generate $44.17 billion, while meal delivery is expected to reach $22.76 billion. London, with its dense population and busy lifestyles, is at the heart of this booming industry, making delivery roles both accessible and in demand.
Earning Potential
- The average income for a food delivery driver in the UK is £17.96 per hour.
Requirements to Get Started
- Must be 18+ with right-to-work documents.
- Bike, scooter, or car (insured and roadworthy); a valid driving licence is required for car or scooter deliveries, but not for bike deliveries.
- A smartphone with delivery apps installed.
- Basic navigation skills around London.
How to Get Started
- Apply via Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Just Eat, FoodHub, Zomato, Gousto, Hungryhouse, Deliverect, Scoffable, Talabat, Quiqup, or Getir portals.
- Choose flexible shifts in high-demand zones.
- Work peak hours (lunch, evenings, weekends).
4. Offer Pet-Sitting & Boarding Services | LBN Trust Score: 5.3/10
According to the PFMA research, the UK is home to around 34 million pets, including 12 million cats and 12 million dogs, alongside 3.2 million small mammals such as guinea pigs and hamsters, 3 million birds, and 1.5 million reptiles. With such high levels of pet ownership, especially in urban centres like London, the demand for trusted pet-sitting and boarding services continues to grow, particularly among busy professionals and frequent travellers who need reliable care for their different dog breeds and pets.
Earning Potential
- A pet-sitter in the UK can earn £12.58 per hour.
Requirements to Get Started
- Experience handling pets.
- A safe home environment is offering boarding.
- Flexibility at weekends and evenings.
- A DBS check may be required.
How to Get Started
- Register on platforms like Rover or Tailster.
- Offer premium services (training or grooming).
5. Become a Content Creator | LBN Trust Score: 5.2/10
London has a fast-growing creator economy, with platforms like OnlyFans and Patreon offering monetisation routes ranging from paid subscriptions to direct fan support and brand deals. Social commerce is set to expand rapidly, with projections indicating it could reach nearly £16 billion in the UK by 2028. For example, London-based creator Bonnie Blue reported earning over $1 million per month from OnlyFans.
Earning Potential
- The average income of a content creator in the UK is £18.79 per hour.
Requirements to Get Started
- A smartphone or camera with good resolution.
- Knowledge of creating engaging content to gain followers.
- Understanding monetisation options such as subscription tiers, pay-per-view content, and exclusive fan perks.
- Consistency in posting and actively engaging with your audience.
How to Get Started
- Choose your content platform(s) (OnlyFans, Patreon) and set up your profile.
- Define your content niche (fitness, lifestyle, gaming, or comedy) and create content tailored to paying subscribers.
- Set subscription tiers and offer exclusive content to encourage recurring payments.
- Explore additional income streams such as brand sponsorships and collaborations with other creators.
6. Glow up as a Makeup Artist | LBN Trust Score: 5.1/10
London’s thriving fashion and events scene fuels strong demand for makeup artists. From West End shows to weddings, opportunities are vast. As of May 2025, 6,947 makeup artists are working across the United Kingdom, marking a 5.59% increase since 2023. Training from institutes such as the London College of Makeup and the Glauca Rossi Academy can further enhance credibility and career prospects.
Earning Potential
- The average income for a makeup artist in the UK is £14.71 per hour.
Requirements to Get Started
- A strong sense of aesthetics.
- A diploma or accreditation in makeup (optional).
- A trade permit is required if operating from home.
- A portfolio showcasing different looks.
How to Get Started
- Train through short courses or diplomas.
- Build your portfolio on Instagram.
- Apply for gigs via StarNow, Jooble, or Jobsora.
7. Build Your Own London Website & Start Minting Money | LBN Trust Score: 4.8/10
From lifestyle blogs to niche event sites, London websites can generate steady traffic. Blogs about local restaurants, theatre reviews, or London events draw significant readership. You can learn about the best lifestyle blogs in London to gauge the writing style that can help you win over the local audience. While it won’t rain money right away, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and ads can build up in a year. With the right SEO strategy, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing, a site can become profitable within 12-18 months.
Earning Potential
- Blog writers in the United Kingdom earn an average of £16.68 per hour.
- Additional income from sponsorships and affiliate deals. Check out this top UK influencer guide to understand the dynamics better.
Requirements to Get Started
- A domain name (.co.uk or .london preferred).
- A CMS platform such as WordPress, Drupal, or Squarespace.
- SEO and content creation skills.
- Content marketing and sales skills.
How to Get Started
- Choose a profitable niche you’re passionate about and informed about.
- Build your site using WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace.
- Monetise via Google AdSense, affiliates, and sponsorships or by selling digital products.
8. Become a Virtual Assistant | LBN Trust Score: 4.7/10
The global virtual assistant market is estimated to reach $28.7 billion in 2025, highlighting a rapid growth trajectory. London startups and small businesses increasingly rely on virtual assistants for administrative tasks, social media management, and bookkeeping, making this a flexible and in-demand side hustle.
Earning Potential
- The average income of a virtual assistant is £12.21 per hour.
Requirements to Get Started
- Admin, organisation, communication, marketing, or tech skills.
- Knowledge of tools like Google Workspace, Slack, and Trello.
- A laptop and a stable internet connection.
How to Get Started
- Define your niche service.
- To quickly reach clients without extensive marketing, list your services on gig platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, and others.
- Build a LinkedIn profile targeting startups.
- Offer hourly or package services.
9. Rent Out Your Space | LBN Trust Score: 4.5/10
London is one of Airbnb’s and Booking.com’s busiest markets, offering hosts strong earning opportunities across different types of stays. As of December 2024, around 63.9% of Airbnb listings in London were for entire homes or apartments, while 35.4% were for private rooms. This split highlights the city’s strong demand for both short-term rentals and private stays, driven by tourism, business travel, and seasonal events such as Wimbledon and London’s theatre scene.
Earning Potential
- The average revenue from a vacation rental in London is £142 per day.
Requirements to Get Started
- Ownership or legal permission (some London boroughs may have restrictions in place; check with your local council).
- Compliance with the London 90-day rule for short lets.
- Clean, safe, and furnished accommodation.
- Strong communication with guests.
How to Get Started
- Create an Airbnb or Booking.com listing with high-quality photos.
- Highlight proximity to London attractions and transport.
- Adjust pricing for seasonal demand and local rates.
If you want to discover further work-from-home jobs or remote working jobs, then you should check out resourceful guides and conduct research, also on established job platforms and business directories.
(18 Proven Ways) How to Earn Money Working from Home in the UK
London, just like the Big Apple, is a competitive market, but with our listed gigs that anyone can start in London, you can earn easy money while remaining flexible and doing something you enjoy. It may also allow you to build a new career path; anything is possible in London.
For further suggestions, get in touch with us here.
Author Profile
- Online Media & PR Strategist
- As a London-based Chief Marketing Officer at the digital marketing agency ClickDo Ltd I blog regularly about London, lifestyle, technology, business and many more topics.
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